Tag Archives: Shoot

Making a Shot in basketball is one of the main driving factors for players to constantly work on their game. Refining their technique, improving their shooting percentage, and then making that shot in a game is all part of the deep seeded motivation behind many hours of individual training on courts around the world. Watch any young player for long enough, and they will start to play out making that shot in front of thousands of people and replicate what they see in their heroes with their imagination.

What is not commonly discussed about a player’s shot technique is the ever-changing phase of development that must happen as a player grows. For many young athletes when they first start out in the sport they can struggle with the technique commonly prescribe to older players. All players mature differently and it may not be uncommon for players to be unable to perfect the truly desired form of their shooting technique until they are ten or eleven years of age. Even then, some compensation needs to be given to how young bodies grow and how everyone matures at different rates.

As players grow their shot will change. The mechanics can be brought in line with the desired shooting technique all coaches strive for (Photo Source: SD Dirk)

A player’s Shooting Technique will need constant analysis over the course of their playing career. Many players often over this time will need to change their shot as firstly they develop from being a junior to a senior and as they become more refined in their action. This will mean some players have to change their shot significantly a number of times. The arms help direct the ball more than any other part of the shooting action so it is vital for a coach to have some fundamental knowledge about the shooting action in regards to this aspect.

The technique involved in the positioning and follow through of the shooting arm is the single most significant aspect of the shooting action. However, for those younger players using two hands, instead of the preferred one, maybe the only way they can generate enough power to launch the ball towards the hoop. Many coaches can become overly concerned with these variations in technique. Players will often develop these wide range of characteristics because they are suitable for them in just trying to make a shot. Instead of trying to refine the hand position or the two-handed shooting form, why not work on footwork, body or head positioning.

As a coach if you take away the elements that are leading to the successful shot by a player. Such as using both arms to generate power, you are only going to be frustrated by a player who sees this as their only option for achieving the desired outcome. The player will resist these changes and resent them if they feel they cannot achieve what they had previously been able to do with their “modified” shot.

Of course for older players the technique needs to constantly be reshaped and refine until the correct technique is implemented with better effect. Some players form will be poor because of technique, but this rarely the case for those players in the younger age groups as identified earlier. The evolution of their technique is just a by-product of wanting to shoot and score however they can.

A players shot over time will change. It has to, as many players struggle to implement the correct technique especially during their adolescent years. Initially though, being able to get the ball as high as the hoop, and then occasionally getting the ball in is worth a hundred hours of motivation when compared to practicing the correct shooting technique. By picking appropriate areas to change in a players shooting action and watching them experience success gradually, and deliberately, a coach can mould a players shot without hurting their passion for the game. It is worth remembering that as a young player in the sport, when they watch Lebron James shoot the ball, they focus on the shot going in, not his perfect shooting technique…

The 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill focuses on player’s movements in the half court when there is dribble penetration inside the three-point line. The focus of the drill is in providing players with realistic and very specific overall tactical points about how to react to the movement of the ball. Players should be looking to react off the ball by moving into space and good receiver spots so they can make the most of any opportunities presented by player movement, offensively or defensively on the court. The 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill moves players into where holes a likely to form within a standard offense, however, these can change depending on the formation being implemented by a team. The importance aspects of moving into space off the ball though are relevant to any offense. To make the drill more specific to a team’s needs simply vary the starting point of the ball around the perimeter for the best results that is individualised to a team’s offense.

The first phase of the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill looks at dribble penetration from the top of the keyway as depicted in Diagram 1 below. This can either be a dribble down the split line or to the strong side elbow.

2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill Diagram 1

The player dribbling the ball (One) should look to always finish with a jump stop in a shooting stance to still allow for the option of shooting in game situations.

The player off the ball (Two) has three options:

Lift and replace behind One (1) at the Point Position

Flash towards the baseline for a mid-range jump-shot

Fade into the corner for a three-point attempt

All three of these options, like all those presented within the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill should be drilled. The use of all variations will only serve to help players develop as a more rounded player, and provides opportunities for the technical development of aspects such as footwork in preparing for a quick release shot.

Phase 2 of the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill now looks to focus on the ball being dribbled baseline (Two) to the short corner from the wing. This is a common attacking scenario found in many offenses.

2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill Diagram 2

The player off the ball (One) will have four distinctive options:

Fill in behind and replace the dribbler on the three-point line

Move into the strong side elbow

Move to the weak side elbow

Move to the weak side elbow extended for the three-point shot

Variations will be common in regards to where the off the ball player (One) is desired to move. In some cases, it will be preferred for the player to move to the weak side elbow due to passing lanes and defensive rotations.

It is important to also be mindful of further variations to come when an additional offensive players (or two) is added to the scenario and where players will be drilled to move towards.

The third phase of the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Sport Drill looks to now vary the attacking dribble lane to that of the elbow (Two). This simulates the common desired tactical movement of a dribbler coming over a screen.

2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill Diagram 3

In this situation there are three options

One (1) can fill and replace Two (2) on the wing for the possible three-point shooting opportunity

One (1) can move into the weak side elbow

One (1) can flare away from the dribbler looking to fill a weak side wing position for the three-point option

Catching a ball on the three-point line does not mean automatically that a player has to shoot a three-point attempt. What happens next after catching should be determined by the players own strengths and weaknesses around offensive production. For a player who has a strong three-point shot, the choice will be to catch and shoot. For another player the best offensive option might be to attack the basket. Coach to an individual’s strengths, not their weaknesses for the best success during games.

The fourth phase in the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill now looks at a player off the ball (One) now is being two passes away.

The scenario again starts with Two (2) driving towards the baseline finishing at the short corner.

2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill Diagram 4

One (1) will have three options:

Move to the weak side elbow

Fill to the Point Position at the top of the keyway

Sink into the weak side long corner

It is very important that when using the sink to the long corner that players do not move behind the line of the backboard. In this scenario, a player should be looking for the dribbler to help create the passing lane as moving into the long corner by the off ball player (One) this too much of a challenging shot.

The final phase in the 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill is for Two to now dribble towards the strong side elbow.

2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill Diagram 5

There are four options to be explored for the off the ball offensive player (One):

Flash towards the double block

Flash towards the baseline for a mid-range jump shot

Sink into the long corner for the three-point attempt

Lift and fill the Point Position

All of the options presented here will help a player technically and tactically as they learn not only how what the options are off the ball, but also the way in which these movements are to be executed to lead to most favourable footwork and body position for a shot. The 2 Player Perimeter Receiver Spot Drill is a very solid drill and one that if was used more often would result in better outcomes for many teams from their perimeter players.

Not having a three-point shooter does not mean a team cannot still extend a defence with long two point shooting positions in offense (Photo Source: J R)

Basketball is a team sport and requires a balanced array of different roles and one commonly missing is that of a shooter. Shooters as the name implies are players within a team who can make long-range jump shots from the perimeter. They are often one of the critical elements teams go to extraordinary lengths to compensate for when they do not have them. In the sport of basketball shooters, like a true Point Guard, or an Anchoring Centre, can be one of the pieces of the puzzle often needing to be replaced with some sort of strategy to overcome this missing link.

Within a basketball offense there is a number of different roles to be played. Not having one piece of this complex array of different options is not the be all and end all of a team’s offense. All it means is that these weaknesses need to be minimised and if possible, over time strengthen as much as possible so they no longer pose as significant a threat to the teams operations.

Recoginse the Opportunities

One of the first steps in dealing with a poor shooting team from long range is to identify those within the group with the longest possible range from what you currently do have. Just because a player cannot make three-point shots, does not mean they do not have extended range from within the arch. There is still plenty of room from which to extend a defence from within the three-point line. In some cases, this will mean simple adjustment to the placing of players or where they must be aware of taking their shots from so they are within their range.

By identifying those players with an extended two point range this will also serve as an opportunity to underline those players who should be worked with most closely to achieve over the course of the season some potential for a three-point threat.

Practice, Practice, and Practice some more…

Once a team has identified those players with the best possible chance of becoming a competent shooter. These players then need to be given opportunities to practice this skill at length. This may mean additional small group sessions; work on form shooting and lots of repetitions. Ensure though that once the individual’s technique is refined that shooting under pressure is incorporated as soon as possible.

Being a good shooter is more than just being able to make a shot from the three-point line. It is about consistency under pressure. To achieve this outcome game like situations need to be employed and executed at a game pace with live defence.

Do Not Compound Problems

Try to avoid magnifying the issue of not have a shooter. Take add steps to think about the offense being implemented and how this can be refined to not be affected by not having a shooter. Nothing hurts a team worse than not having a shooter, but still placing players into these positions within a play. Players will still attempt these shots, miss and create turnovers of possession without a high percentage shooting opportunity being the outcome.

As mentioned in the first point ensuring players are aware of their shooting range is one tactical change, which can be employed, and there are a few others:

Early offense out of fast breaks, broken play and transition do not require three-point shooting

Full court pressure defence’s will need to be explored to help with creating opportunities to make up deficits in points

Provide more cutting opportunities towards the basket to compensate for less opportunities from the perimeter

Utilise screening heavily to allow players to become free. Defences when playing against a team without a shooter will sag into the three-point line. Various screening actions can help free players create offensive opportunities off and on the ball

When screening, have screeners roll into shooting range positions where they might normally flare for further away shots

Incorporate mid-range offensive possibilities into all offense/play breakdowns. Often coaches tend to focus on the three-point shot, or a drive to the basket instead of also discussing these in-between options

Players when rotating need to be focusing on passing opportunities rather than catch and shoot options. Players especially when forming sideline triangles often use passing as a secondary option. However in a team without a shooter this passing option to also be explored with more importance and this will need to be done more regularly in games to keep points ticking over

Rebounding must be a way of Life

If a team does not have a shooter, then rebounding must become a very highly valued characteristic that all players must display. Ensuring consistency within a team’s offensive rebounding strategy will help reduce the effects of a below average shooting performance.

A some stage a coach will find a team that does not have a shooter. Developing a shooter can be a lengthy process if the identified possible players do not put in the work, day in and day out. So a coach should think about adapting their offense to meet the abilities of the team.

Teaching a Jump Shot can be a very challenging exercise for coaches. However, it is at these lower levels of development where it is most important to set a good foundation for one of the most utilised skills a player will come across during their time playing basketball. Every coach can think of one player at least that has struggled with the development of their jump shot and if not addressed quickly this problem can have a very significant effect on a players confidence and career at length.

The jump shot needs to be taught in both a catching and dribbling situations. Both scenarios are vital as they will feel different to the player and if only the dribble is taught then this will only result in one skill being developed in absence of the other which will create a weakness in a players overall skill set.

The progression towards an effective and efficient jump shot should begin with the development of the set shot. Form shooting will help a player develop the much need technique to ensure the basic foundations of the jump shot are build early. A jump shot adds an extra layer of complexity to the shooting technique with the additional of the jump and therefore should be undertaken once a player masters many of the fundamental elements required in the set shot.

Outside of the fundamentals of the technique around the set shot, there are some very key points to teach about the jump shot. These include:

High elevation during the jump shot helps create better vision over the defence and makes the ball harder to block (Photo Source: jmrosenfeld)

Feet should be no wider then shoulder width apart: Anything wider and the stance will become not functional off the dribble. A solid stance will allow a player to generate equal and maximum power through the legs and into the shot

Have a low stance (off the dribble or upon reception of the pass): Once the ball is received or picked up off the dribble a players movement should only be in one direction that is up and into the jump. This will help with a quick release within the jump shot. This teaching point also helps a player start to lock into the skill performance so it can become automatic.

Always show target hands (when shooting off a pass): Players must show where they would like a pass to be made to. This can be different depending on the individual. However, a shooter cannot be angry with a poor pass if they do not provide a target for the passer.

Once the ball is picked up, eyes move onto the basket: This helps a player see the target early. This will only help a player by providing more time to make decisions about distance and force to put into the shot.

Jump straight up: When performing a jump shot a player will often find they move forward slightly. This will happen depending on the speed at which the shot is executed, especially off the dribble. By jumping straight up however the player will help keep their head still which helps with shot accuracy and consistency. This teaching point will also help with elevation and reduction in torso rotation, which can often be problematic with a player’s jump shot.

Elevate and release just before the top of the jump: Players often tend use a minimum jump in their jump shot. This however can cause a number of issues when using a jump shot off the dribble. When dribbling a player should use a high jump to rise above the defence and help see the target and floor. Additionally a higher jump will also provide more time for the action of the shot to be performed which will improve consistency of the player’s jump shot.

By releasing just before the peak of the jump ensures the maximum amount of force can be applied to the jump shot. A player may choose not to use all of this energy, but they will have that choice. If not they will be force to generate the needed power from their arms which will alter the players shot.

Holding the follow through until landing: The follow through in a players shooting action will help a player ensure they are using the best possible technique. Failing to do this will result in a player underperforming the technique of their jump shot and this can lead to a number of errors and problems. Once landing a player can then be active in moving into rebounding or defensive transition positioning, but while on the way down from the release of the shot, a player should ensure they finish their shooting technique.

Make shot adjustment: Through holding the follow through on the jump shot, a player must start to self-coach and make their own corrections while on the floor in real time. These teaching points need to be explained and reinforced to players so they can help themselves outside of the instruction directed by their coaches. Players spend far too much time away from their coach, not to give them the tools to help themselves.

The jump shot is important to a player at all levels of the sport and in all positions. Setting good building blocks in their technique will pay dividends for a player as long as they are associated with the sport of basketball.

Close shots to the basket will always afford a higher shooting percentage (Photo Source: U.S. Army)

At the end of a tight or loosing game, a coach will often reflect upon the statistics of a game and in particular a Team’s Shooting Percentage. This statistic alone often provides a wide range of points for discussion between coaching staff, team members, and the public alike. With good reason as many teams need to win or at least be in line with their opposition to reach a successful outcome at the end of a game with any ongoing consistency and improvement of form. Shooting Percentage along with Rebounding is one of the pillars of a successful team.

While there are teams that employ a “run and gun” mentality to their shooting, it is counter intuitive that wasteful shots in poor situations ultimately benefit a team. Even if a shooting a greater number of shots is in essence part of the team offensive strategy, there will still be an acceptable shooting percentage to be achieved.

Poor Individual Shot Selection

One of the more common reasons for a lower then acceptable shooting percentage is poor individual shot selection. Put simply this comes down to the wrong player taking a shot. This can be because a player sees an opportunity but lacks the skill to be able to complete the scoring movement or because the players is showing poor judgement about what is and isn’t a good shot for themselves and the team.

This situation really comes down to a coach’s analysis, assessment, communication, and development of a player. By having clearly define expectations and feedback back on a players competence a coach can frame more easily what is the right shot and when for a player in the team context.

Not Enough Fast Break and Primary Transition Points

Teams that struggle with a low shooting percentage often find they are heavily reliant on long shot clock possessions that focus continuously on the half-court offense phase. Depending on a team’s strategy this might the desired outcome, but this should not be at the expense of not exploring the Fast break and Primary Transition Phases of an offensive possession. Exploring all phases while being in control of the tempo and shot selection is the ultimately desired outcome, not just abandoning these phases completely.

This situation comes down to a coach providing a well-rounded training schedule that does develop all offensive phases. Too much focus on one element will of course devalue the other phases in the eyes of the players (even at the professional level).

Too Many Shots outside the Keyway

Depending on the statistics recorded it can be very easy to see where shots are being taken from on the floor. It seems very obvious, but the greater the distance away from the basket, the lower the team’s shooting percentage.

This can come down to players settling for the easier or less pressured shooting options. However, there are some other reasons that should be explored as well. A coach should ask themselves do the players understand what the shooting options are and where they are in the flow of the play? Is the offense not providing enough scoring opportunities within the keyway? What defence is causing this the offense to not be effective and why? These questions will help to explore some of the other possibilities for a poor shooting percentage.

No Dominate Floor General

Another often understated reason for a team’s poor shooting percentage is a the lack of Point Guard or dominate leader on the floor. This type of situation can result in the wrong play and wrong shoot being focused upon when the ball is on the floor. In extreme situations this mistake can be made in successive possessions and destroy a teams flow or ability to make to scoring opportunities reality in successive possessions throughout a game.

A coach will need to in these situations provide some extra guidance to the team while trying to build the knowledge, understanding, and confidence within the players showing the most potential to fulfil this role. Leadership in this context can be nurtured and it is the responsibility of the coach to provide as best as possible a platform for individuals within a team to acquire these skills.

Lack of Commitment to Improving Individual Shooting Percentage

The final common issue is a lack of commitment by players to improving their own shooting. This can either be improving the percentage at which a player currently shooting from within their range or increasing a players shooting range. In both instances, though this requires a player to put in time away from the team training session to improve their competence to meet the required standard of competition. This again can be all about the level of involvement a coach has in the individual player’s development within a team they are coaching. The higher the involvement of a coach the more the motivation will be easily found by players.

Shooting percentage is important and there is no getting around the fact it will have a significant effect on a game. By seeing, the possible causes for problems more readily a coach can better prepare a team against the challenges that lay ahead and at the very least form a plan under which to overcome these issues.